SME selection criteria for external IS/IT consultants, including Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences

Independent of the level of IS/IT competencies of a small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), almost all enlist the services of an external consultant at some point. External consultants can handle a wide range of tasks. While there is some evidence that external assistance with IT projects is an effective course of action, so far no information has been available on what SMEs pay attention to when choosing their consultants. The aim of the preliminary study was to establish SMEs? selection criteria for hiring IS/IT consultants, to determine what competencies SMEs look for in their external consultants, and to find out if Swiss universities of applied sciences (UAS) are included in their selection process. Interviews were conducted with 15 SMEs, most of which are based in the Swiss cantons of Zurich and Schaffhausen. Findings indicate that selection criteria vary considerably according to the size of the SMEs. The majority have never consulted a UAS